US20150126251A1 - Method and apparatus for distributing power over communication cabling - Google Patents

Abstract

A PoE powered device and method of operation are provided. The device includes a first port unit configured to negotiate receipt of a level of PoE power from a power sourcing equipment. The power is received on a first pair of taps on a first communication port. A detection unit is configured to detect a presence of a first optional circuit load and to detect a presence of a second optional power load. A control circuit is configured to establish connectivity between a second pair of taps on the first communication port and a second powered device port unit in response to the detection unit detecting the first optional load, and further configured to establish connectivity between the second pair of taps and a third pair of taps on a pass-through communication port in response to the detection unit failing to detect the first load and detecting the second load.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application is a Continuation application of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 12/879,577, filed Sep. 10, 2010, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISTRIBUTING POWER OVER COMMUNICATION CABLING”, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/320,364 filed Apr. 2, 2010, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISTRIBUTING POWER OVER COMMUNICATION CABLING”. The applications are both hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties as though fully disclosed herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates generally to telecommunications and more particularly to a method and system for improved power delivery over Ethernet cables.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• Numerous powered devices utilize power over multi-pair Ethernet cables. The IEEE 802.3af-2003 Power over Ethernet (PoE) standard, ratified in June, 2003, defines a standardized approach by which power sourcing equipment (PSE) is able to provide a powered device (PD) with up to 15.4 watts of DC power over, for example, a category 5 (CAT 5) twisted pair communication cable. The IEEE 802.3at-2009 PoE standard, later ratified Sep. 11, 2009, defines a standardized PoE approach by which a powering sourcing device (PSE) is able to provide a powered device (PD) with up to up to 25.5 watts of DC power over, for example, a category 5 twisted pair communication cable.
• A category 5 cable includes 8 wire connectors grouped into 4 wire-pairs. The PoE standards based approaches provide DC power over 2 out of the 4 wire-pairs included in the cable and such pairs are generally referred to as a PoE powered pair. A “pair of PoE taps” refers to the center taps of Ethernet magnetics used to couple and decouple power to and from the PoE powered pairs of a CATx cable. Therefore, a pair of PoE taps refers to a set of two taps with one tap being used for current delivery and a second tap being used for current return. Contemporary telecommunications systems can then utilize the remaining pairs in the cable as data lines, although, in some contemporary systems, power and data may be implemented on the same twisted pair. However, as telecommunications devices adapt to meet new communication demands, such devices may have different power needs or demands. For example, as more functionality is added to communication devices and systems, such devices and systems may include powered peripheral devices that couple with or are plugged into the main communication devices. Such peripheral devices will need additional power. Accordingly there is a need in the art for an improved method and system of delivering power to communication devices. There is also a need to have flexibility in such power delivery to respond to situations where additional power may be selectively needed or not needed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• A powered device (PD) detects the presence of optional power loads within the PD and distributes PoE power based on a set of determined priorities and the detected loads.
• The described powered device approach may be used in any number of end user and network infrastructure devices, including but not limited to, remote antenna units in a distributed antenna system (DAS). For example, in one example embodiment, an embodiment of the described powered device (PD) is implemented as a remote antenna unit (RAU) in a DAS system that receives PoE power and data from a DAS master unit over one or more twisted pair communication cables, e.g., Category 5 (CAT5) or Category 6 (CAT6) cables.
• In a first example embodiment, a PoE powered device is described that includes, a first PD port unit configured to negotiate receipt of a level of PoE power from a power sourcing equipment (PSE), the PoE power received on a first pair of PoE taps on a first PD communication port, a detection unit configured to detect a presence of a first optional circuit load and to detect a presence of a second optional power load, and a control circuit configured to establish connectivity between a second pair of PoE taps on the first PD communication port and a second PD port unit in response to the detection unit detecting the first optional load, and configured to establish connectivity between the second pair of PoE taps and a third pair of PoE taps on a pass-through communication port in response to the detection unit failing to detect the first optional load and detecting the second optional power load.
• In a second example embodiment, a PoE powered device is described that includes, a combined PD port unit for combining PoE power received on multiple pairs of PoE taps on a first PD communication port, a PoE tap circuit, which refers to a pair of taps from the Ethernet magnetics (and any other required circuitry) to decouple power from the PoE powered pairs, that connects a first pair of PoE taps on the first PD communication port to the combined PD port unit, a detection unit configured to detect a presence of a first optional circuit load and to detect a presence of a second optional power load, and a control circuit configured to establish connectivity between a second pair of PoE taps on the first PD communication port and the combined PD port unit in response to the detection unit detecting the first optional load, and configured to establish connectivity between the second pair of PoE taps and a third pair of PoE taps on a pass-through communication port in response to the detection unit failing to detect the first optional load and detecting the second optional power load.
• In a third example embodiment, a PoE powered device is described that includes, a PD port unit configured to negotiate a receipt of PoE power from a power sourcing equipment (PSE), the PoE power received on a first pair of PoE taps on a first PD communication port, a detection unit configured to detect a presence of an optional circuit load, and a control circuit configured to establish connectivity between a second pair of PoE taps on the first PD communication port and a third pair of PoE taps on a pass-through communication port on the detection unit detecting the optional power load.
• In a fourth example embodiment, a method of distributing PoE power in a distributed antenna system remote antenna unit is described that includes, negotiating receipt of a first PoE power from a power sourcing equipment (PSE), the first PoE power received on a first pair of PoE taps on a first PD communication port, performing a detection process to detect a presence of a first optional circuit load, performing a detection process to detect a presence of a second optional power load, negotiating receipt of a second PoE power from the power sourcing equipment (PSE), the second PoE power received on a second pair of PoE taps on the first PD communication port in response to detecting the first optional load, and establishing connectivity between the second pair of PoE taps and a third pair of PoE taps on a pass-through communication port in response to failing to detect the first optional load and detecting the second optional power load.
• In a fifth example embodiment, a method of distributing PoE power in a powered device is described that includes, establishing connectivity between a first pair of PoE taps on a first PD communication port and a PoE power combining circuit, performing a detection process to detect a presence of a first optional circuit load, performing a detection process to detect a presence of a second optional power load, establishing connectivity between a second pair of PoE taps on the first PD communication port and the PoE power combining circuit in response to detecting the first optional load, and establishing connectivity between the second pair of PoE taps and a third pair of PoE taps on a pass-through communication port in response to failing to detect the first optional load and detecting the second optional power load.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with a general description of the invention given above, and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the invention.
• Example embodiments of a powered device (PD) that detects the presence of optional power loads within the PD, and that distributes PoE power based on a set of determined priorities and the detected loads, will be described with reference to the following drawings, wherein like numerals designate like elements.
• FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary distributed antenna system.
• FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a first example PoE service chain that includes an embodiment of the described powered device which may be implemented in the exemplary distributed antenna system ofFIG. 1;
• FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a second example PoE service chain that includes the powered device ofFIG. 2;
• FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of the combined PD port unit shown inFIG. 2 andFIG. 3;
• FIG. 5 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the combined PD port unit shown inFIG. 2 andFIG. 3;
• FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a PoE service chain that includes another embodiment of the described powered device;
• FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the non-combined PD port unit shown inFIG. 6;
• FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a PoE service chain that includes another embodiment of the described powered device;
• FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a PoE service chain that includes still another embodiment of the described powered device;
• FIG. 10 is a flow-chart of an example process performed by the embodiment of the powered device described above with respect toFIG. 2 andFIG. 3;
• FIG. 11 is a flow-chart of an example process performed by the embodiment of the powered device described above with respect toFIG. 6;
• FIG. 12 is a flow-chart of an example process performed by the embodiment of the powered device described above with respect toFIG. 8;
• FIG. 13 is a flow-chart of an example process performed by the embodiment of the powered device described above with respect toFIG. 9.
• FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of an example PoE service chain having multiple cables and includes an embodiment of the described powered device;
• FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a second example PoE service chain having multiple cables and includes the powered device ofFIG. 14;
• FIGS. 16A-B are flow-charts of an example process performed by the embodiment of the powered device described above with respect toFIG. 14; and
• FIGS. 17A-B are flow-charts of an example process performed by the embodiment of the powered device described above with respect toFIG. 15.
• It should be understood that the appended drawings are not necessarily to scale, presenting a somewhat simplified representation of various features illustrative of the basic principles of the invention. The specific design features of the sequence of operations as disclosed herein, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, locations, and shapes of various illustrated components, will be determined in part by the particular intended application and use environment. Certain features of the illustrated embodiments have been enlarged or distorted relative to others to facilitate visualization and clear understanding. In particular, thin features may be thickened, for example, for clarity or illustration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
• A distributed antenna system (DAS), such as theexemplary DAS10 illustrated inFIG. 1, may include one or more master units (MU)12 that are in communication with various base transceiver stations (BTSs)14 of various cellular providers employing different air interfaces and a series of physically separated remote antenna units (RAUs) that are each connected to the MU via aserial link18. TheMU12 down converts and digitizes, e.g., performs analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) of signals from the base station(s)14 and time division multiplexes (TDM) the digital data into frames that are transmitted overserial links18 to theRAUs16. TheRAUs16 digital to analog converters (DAC) convert the data to analog and up convert the analog signals to the required RF for transmission to fixed ormobile subscribers20 in the system. In a similar manner, theRAUs16 down-convert and digitize signals from the fixed/mobile users20 and transmit the digitized data back to theMU12. The MU DAC converts the signals from the mobile/fixedsubscribers20 and up-converts them to the appropriate signals for transmission to thevarious BTSs14.
• In such a DAS operational environment, embodiments of the described powered device can be implemented as an RAU16. As described below, embodiments of the described powered device support one or more optional loads within the powered device itself, and one or more optional loads supported by one or more pass-through communication ports. A pass-through communication port is a port that passes through communication data and DC or AC power. The data rate on the pass-through port may be the full data rate of the first communication port (or ports if there is more from the expansion element) or a fraction of the data rate. The DC or AC power of the pass-through communication port may be a either the full power received on one PoE taps pair or a fraction of the total received power. The pass-through port provides PoE standard compliant power. While PoE generally refers to a specific standard, use of PoE in this specification refers to both the standard and any other method that delivers power via Ethernet cables or twisted pair cables.
• Examples of optional loads within theRAU16 powered device itself are, for example, add-on communication boards, e.g., digital signal processing boards, that extend the frequency range available to theRAU16 for communicating with fixed/mobile users. The inclusion of one or more such optional digital signal processing boards increases the number of RF based services theRAU16 can support for fixed/mobile users in a service area of theRAU16. For example, increased frequency range at theRAU16 would allow theRAU16 to support cellular based traffic for additional cellular operators, or allow the RAU to support non-cellular RF communications, such as public safety related RF channels.
• In aRAU16 embodiment of the described powered device, optional PoE loads connected to the powered device via the one or more pass through communication ports may include, for example, WiFi based RF repeaters, WiMax based RF repeaters, and/or other non-cellular network infrastructure components that allow the DAS/RAU infrastructure to support lower rate Ethernet data or other data from WiFi/WiMax access points or other standard access points or even maintenance terminals, or IP cameras, etc. Data sent to or received from such optional load devices can be combined by theRAU16 with other traffic exchanged by theRAU16 with theDAS10MU12. Once such lower rate Ethernet data or other data is received at theMU12 or an intermediate distribution or expansion element (not shown), the data may be separated from the cellular communication traffic and be redirected by theMU12 or the intermediate distribution or expansion element to compatible infrastructure components, e.g., LAN/WAN infrastructure components such as switches or routers, for further transmissions via networks compatible with the respective components.
• FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of aPoE service chain100 for use in a communication system or device in which a first powered device (PD)106 embodiment receives PoE power from power sourcing equipment (PSE)102 via conductors or wire pairs within acommunication cable104, such as an Ethernet cable or twisted pair cable. ThePD106 selectively delivers the received PoE power to power loads within thePD106, or to a secondpowered device110 via a pass through communication port or to both, based on a set of determined priorities and/or detected loads according to the invention. Thepowered devices106,110 may contain a PD port unit which contains electronic circuitry including a PD controller/interface as well as Ethernet magnetics which are configured to extract power from CATx cables, for example.
• As shown inFIG. 2,power sourcing equipment102 includes a first non-combinedPSE port unit112, a second non-combinedPSE port unit116, and a PoE enabledcommunication port120 that is operably coupled to theunits112,116. The PSE port units contain electronic circuitry including a PSE controller/interface and Ethernet magnetics configured to allow the application and control of power on cables, such as CATx cables. WhileFIG. 2 showsunits112,116 co-located inelement102, they might be in separate locations or components. First non-combinedPSE port unit112 connects viatap connection114 to a first poweredcable pair122 of acommunication cable104 connected to PoE enabledcommunication port120. Second non-combinedPSE port unit116 connects viatap connection118 to a secondpowered cable pair128 ofcommunication cable104. The set orcable pair122 includeswire pair124 andwire pair126. Similarly,cable pair128 includes wire pairs130 and132.
• Firstpowered device106 includes a PoE enabledcommunication port134, a combinedPD port unit142, acontrol circuit144, abase load146, a firstoptional load148, adetection unit158, and a pass throughcommunication port164 ofpowered device106. CombinedPD port unit142 connects viatap connection136 topowered cable pair122 ofcommunication cable104 connected to PoE enabledport134 ofpowered device106.Unit142 also connects tobase load146 viapower lead150, and connects to firstoptional load148 viapower lead152 to supply power to thoseloads146,148. Theunit142 connects todetection unit158 and to controlcircuit144 viapower lead154, and further connects to controlcircuit144 via PoE transfer leads140.Control circuit144 connects viatap connection138 topowered cable pair128 ofcommunication cable104 to receive power fromcable pair128. Depending on the operation of the invention,control circuit144 optionally connects orcouples138 to either combinedPD port unit142 via the PoE transfer leads140 or to anotherpowered cable pair172 of acommunication cable108 that is connected to the pass throughcommunication port164 viatap connection162. In that way, thecontrol circuit144 can deliver power to anoptional load148 or pass power through tooptional load186.Detection unit158 monitors the presence of firstoptional load148 via monitoring leads160, monitors the presence of secondoptional load186 viatap connection162, and provides detection information based on such monitoring to thecontrol circuit144 viacontrol lead156.
• Secondpowered device110, which may be a peripheral or plug-in device, includes a PoE enabledport178, a non-combinedPD port unit182 and a secondoptional load186. Thedevice110 and secondoptional load186 illustrated inFIG. 2 and the other various devices and optional loads as discussed herein might be, for example, a WiFi access point, a WiMax access point, a maintenance terminal, IP camera, and/or combinations thereof. Non-combinedPD port unit182 connects viatap connection180 to thepowered cable pair172 of acommunication cable108 that is connected to the PoE enabledport178. Non-combinedPSE port unit182 delivers PoE power to secondoptional load186 via suitable internal leads184.
• With respect to thepower sourcing equipment102, non-combinedPSE port unit112 and non-combinedPSE port unit116 are configured so that each provides PoE power over a different set of PoE powered conductor pairs. In one example embodiment, non-combinedPSE port unit112 is configured to supply power overconductor pair1 and2 andconductor pair3 and6, while non-combinedPSE port unit112 is configured to supply power overconductor pair4 and5 andconductor pair7 and8. In such a manner, all 8 conductors in an Ethernet category 5 cable are used to supply PoE power topowered device106.
• With respect topowered device106, combinedPD port unit142 is configured to support PoE negotiation with non-combinedPSE port unit112 overpowered cable pair122 which includes a first wire-pair124 and a second wire-pair126. In one embodiment, combinedPD port unit142 provides non-combinedPSE Port unit112 with an initial PD sense feedback based on a predetermined resistance placed acrosstap connection136. Upon sensing the predetermined resistance, non-combinedPSE Port unit112 provides combinedPD port unit142 with a predetermined initial power level that is used by combinedPD port unit142 to power-up enough circuitry to conduct subsequent PoE power negotiations with non-combinedPSE Port unit112. Upon receipt of the higher, negotiated power level, combinedpower unit142 delivers power to and initiates a startup ofbase load146 circuitry,detection unit158 andcontrol circuit144.
• Upon startup,detection unit158 tests monitoring leads160 andtap connection162 to determine whether firstoptional load148 and secondoptional load186, respectively, are present. For example,detection unit158 may test for the presence of a predetermined resistance on each of the respective leads, and if the predetermined resistance is measured or located,detection unit158 is operable to report tocontrol circuit144 that the respective detected load is present. Upon startup,control circuit144 awaits detection information fromdetection unit158. If the firstoptional load148 is detected,control circuit144 connectstaps138 from second poweredcable pair128 ofcable104 to combinedPD port unit142 via PoE transfer leads140. If firstoptional load148 is not detected, but secondoptional load186 is detected,control circuit144 connectstaps138 from second poweredcable pair128 ofcable104 to power taps162 on or associated withpowered pair172, including a first wire-pair174 and a second wire-pair176, withincable108.Cable pair166 including first wire-pair168 and second wire-pair170 are not used in this embodiment illustrated inFIG. 2.
• Connecting taps138 from second poweredcable pair128, including a first wire-pair130 and a second wire-pair132, ofcable104 to the combinedPD port unit142 allows combinedPD port unit142 to perform PD/PSE PoE power negotiation with the non-combinedPSE port unit116. Once a negotiated power level is received, combinedPD port unit142 provides power to firstoptional load148 viapower lead152. To power secondoptional load186, connectingtaps138 from second poweredcable pair128 ofcable104 to power taps162 on or associated withpowered cable pair172 withincable108 allows non-combinedPD port unit182 to perform PD/PSE PoE power negotiation with non-combinedPSE port unit116. Once a negotiated power level is received, non-combinedPD port unit182 provides power to secondoptional load148 via leads184.
• FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the invention with aPoE service chain200 that is somewhat similar toPoE service chain100, described above with respect toFIG. 2. Components inPoE service chain200 which are identical to corresponding components inPoE service chain100 have been provided with numeric labels that generally match the numeric label of the corresponding feature described above with respect toFIG. 2. Only the first digit of each numeric label has been changed to correspond to the new figure number. For example, firstpowered device206 is identical in configuration and function to firstpowered device106 described above with respect toFIG. 2. Components that remain the same inFIG. 3 as the corresponding component described above with respect toFIG. 2 are not again described inFIG. 3.
• Power sourcing equipment (PSE)202 differs from power sourcing equipment (PSE)102, described above with respect toFIG. 2 in that power sourcing equipment (PSE)202 includes a single combinedPSE port unit212 in place of the non-combinedPSE port unit112 and the non-combinedPSE port unit116 described above with respect toFIG. 2. For example, non-combinedPSE port unit112 and the non-combinedPSE port unit116, described above with respect toFIG. 2, may be implemented with 802.3af or 802.3at compliant PSE components, though embodiments are not limited components compliant with the standards. For example, a first non-combined PSE port unit could be configured so that PoE power is applied to a first set of selected wire-pairs, e.g., a standards compliant set of wire-pairs; a second non-combined PSE port unit could be configured so that PoE power is applied to a second set of selected wire-pairs, e.g., the remaining non standards compliant set of wire-pairs.
• However, inFIG. 3, the combinedPSE port unit212 is a non standards compliant PoE component that is configured to apply PoE to all conductors within thecommunication cable204. The combinedPSE port unit212 may consist, in some embodiments, of separate PSE units that operate independently, but for convenience are packaged together in the same package. Embodiments of combinedPSE port unit212 are implemented to perform in a manner that is functionally the same as non-combinedPSE port unit112 and non-combinedPSE port unit116, described above with respect toFIG. 2. However, combining the functionality of two PSE port units into a single integrated unit reduces the circuit size by eliminating redundant components, resulting in a more reliable and cost effective solution. It is noted that combinedPD port unit242 is capable of performing as described above with respect toFIG. 2, and below with respect toFIG. 10, regardless of whether the power sourcing equipment (PSE) is based on a combined PSE port unit design, as illustrated inFIG. 3 or on a non-combined PSE port unit design, as illustrated inFIG. 2.
• FIG. 4 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the combinedPD port unit142,242 described above with respect toFIG. 2 andFIG. 3. As shown inFIG. 4, a first embodiment of combinedPD port unit142,242 includes a first PD poweredpair unit302, a second PD poweredpair unit304, a first powered pairintermediate power module306, a second powered pairintermediate power module308, apower combining module310 and a power conversion/distribution module312.
• In operation, first PD poweredpair unit302 provides power sourcing equipment (PSE)102,202 with an initial PD sense feedback based on a predetermined resistance placed by first PD poweredpair unit302 acrosstap connection136.Unit302 receives an initial level of PoE power fromPSE102,202 and, based on circuitry within first PD poweredpair unit302 powered with the initial level of PoE power, performs a subsequent PD/PSE PoE power negotiation with power sourcing equipment (PSE)102,202 that results in a higher level of power, i.e., a negotiated power level, being delivered from power sourcing equipment (PSE)102 to combinedPD port unit142,242.
• First powered pairintermediate power module306 receives PoE power received from power sourcing equipment (PSE)102,202 based on negotiations performed by first PD poweredpair unit302 and converts the received power to an intermediate voltage level. In one example embodiment, first powered pairintermediate power module306 receives PoE at a voltage level between 42 volts and 57 volts, and converts the voltage to an intermediate voltage of, for example, 12 volts.
• Second PD poweredpair unit304 and second powered pairintermediate power module308 operate in the same manner as first PD poweredpair unit302 and first powered pairintermediate power module306, but are configured to negotiate PoE power from power sourcing equipment (PSE)102 over a second powered cable pair. For example, with respect to the example PoE service chain described above with respect toFIG. 2 andFIG. 3, first PD poweredpair unit302 and first powered pairintermediate power module306 may be configured to negotiate PoE power from power sourcing equipment (PSE)102 via a first PoE powered cable pair, e.g.,powered cable pair122, whereas second PD poweredpair unit304 and second powered pairintermediate power module308 may be configured to negotiate PoE power from power sourcing equipment (PSE)102 via a second PoE powered cable pair, e.g.,powered cable pair128. First powered pairintermediate power module306 and second powered cable pairintermediate power module308 are configured to convert the received PoE power to a common intermediate voltage, e.g., 12 volts.
• Power combining module310 combines the intermediate power generated by first powered pairintermediate power module306 and the intermediate voltage generated second powered pairintermediate power module308 into a single power source.Module310 also has load sharing capabilities so that power imbalances apparent betweenmodules306,308 can be mitigated.Module310 would also be able to use power from only one of the pairs to supplymodule312. Combining the power sources leads to a cheaper, more efficient design with fewer redundant components. Power conversion/distribution module312 receives power frompower combining module310 at the intermediate power and converts the intermediate power to one or more of several different voltages prior to distribution to a designated location. For example, combinedPD port unit142,control circuit144,base load146, firstoptional load148, anddetection unit158 may require power at one or more different voltage levels. Power conversion/distribution module312, therefore, converts the intermediate voltage level to the desired voltage levels prior to distribution to the noted components/devices.
• FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a second embodiment of the combined PD port unit shown inFIG. 2 andFIG. 3. As shown inFIG. 5, a second embodiment of combinedPD port unit142,242 includes a first PD poweredpair unit402, a second PD poweredpair unit404,power combining module406, anintermediate power module408, and a power conversion/distribution module410. The second embodiment of combinedPD port unit142,242 differs from the first embodiment of combinedPD port unit142,242 described above with respect toFIG. 4 in thatpower combining module406 combines the PoE power received over the respective PoE powered pairs via first PD poweredpair unit402 and second PD poweredpair unit404 before the received power is converted to an intermediate voltage.
• In operation, PoE power received from power sourcing equipment (PSE)102 via first PD poweredpair unit402 and a second PD poweredpair unit404 is combined bypower combining module406. Power from the combined power source is then converted to an intermediate voltage level byintermediate power module408. The combined power at the predetermined intermediate voltage level is then provided to power conversion/distribution module410 for conversion to specific voltages prior to distribution, as described above.
• FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of aPoE service chain500 that is similar toPoE service chain100, described above with respect toFIG. 2. Components inPoE service chain500 which are identical to corresponding components inPoE service chain100 have been provided with numeric labels that match the numeric label of the corresponding feature described above with respect toFIG. 2. Only the first digit of each numeric label has been changed to correspond to the new figure number. For example,power sourcing equipment502,first communication cable504,second communication cable508 and secondpowered device510 are identical in configuration and function to corresponding components described above with respect toFIG. 2. Components that remain the same inFIG. 6 as the corresponding component described above with respect toFIG. 2 will not again be described.
• Powered device506 differs frompowered device106, described above with respect toFIG. 2, in that the functionality performed by combinedPD port unit142 inpowered device106 is performed by 2 separate PD port units, i.e., first non-combinedPD port unit541 and second non-combinedPD port unit543 each connected to thebase load546 and the firstoptional load548 by power leads550 and552 respectively. Power to controlcircuit544 throughpower lead554 anddetection unit558 is also controlled by first non-combinedPD port unit541. Power to firstoptional load548 is controlled by second non-combinedPD port unit543.
• With respect topowered device506, first non-combinedPD port unit541 is configured to support PoE negotiation with power sourcing equipment (PSE)502 overpowered cable pair522. In one embodiment, first non-combinedPD port unit541 provides power sourcing equipment (PSE)502 with an initial PD sense feedback based on a predetermined resistance placed across tap connection536. Upon sensing the predetermined resistance, power sourcing equipment (PSE)502 provides first non-combinedPD port unit541 with a predetermined initial power level that is used by non-combinedPD port unit541 to power-up enough circuitry to conduct subsequent PoE power negotiations with power sourcing equipment (PSE)502. Upon receipt of the higher, negotiated power level, first non-combinedPD port unit541 delivers power to and initiates a startup ofbase load546 circuitry,detection unit558 andcontrol circuit544.
• Upon startup,detection unit558 tests monitoring leads560 andtap connection562 to determine whether firstoptional load548 and secondoptional load586, respectively, are present. For example,detection unit558 may test for the presence of a predetermined resistance on each of the respective leads, and if the predetermined resistance is located,detection unit558 reports to controlcircuit544 that the respective load is present. Upon startup,control circuit544 awaits detection information fromdetection unit558. If firstoptional load548 is detected,control circuit544 connectstaps538 from second powered cable pair528 ofcable504 to second non-combinedPD port unit543. If firstoptional load548 is not detected and secondoptional load586 is detected,control circuit544 connectstaps538 from second powered cable pair528 ofcable504 to power taps562 on or associated withpowered pair572 withincable508.
• Connecting thetaps538 from second powered cable pair528 ofcable504 to second non-combinedPD port unit543 allows second non-combinedPD port unit543 to perform PD/PSE PoE power negotiation with power sourcing equipment (PSE)502 over second powered cable pair528. Once a negotiated power level is received, non-combinedPD port unit543 provides power to firstoptional load548. Connecting taps538 from second powered cable pair528 ofcable504 to power taps562 onpowered cable pair572 withincable508 allows non-combinedPD port unit582 to perform PD/PSE PoE power negotiation with power sourcing equipment (PSE)502. Once a negotiated power level is received, non-combinedPD port unit582 provides power to secondoptional load586.
• FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the non-combined PD port units, e.g., first non-combinedPD port unit541, second non-combinedPD port unit543, and non-combinedPD port unit582, shown inFIG. 6. As shown inFIG. 6, a non-combined PD port unit, e.g., non-combinedPD port unit541, includes a PD poweredpair unit602, anintermediate power module604, and a power conversion/distribution module606. The non-combinedPD port unit541 differs from the combinedPD port unit142 described above with respect toFIG. 4 andFIG. 5 in that there is only a single PD powered pair unit and there is no power combining module.
• In operation, PoE power received from power sourcing equipment (PSE)502 via PD poweredpair unit602 is converted to an intermediate voltage level byintermediate power module604. The predetermined intermediate voltage level is then provided to power conversion/distribution module606 for conversion to specific voltages prior to distribution, as described above.
• In example powered device embodiments, a non-combined PSE port unit described above with respect toFIG. 6 andFIG. 7, and below with respect toFIG. 8 andFIG. 9, could be implemented with 802.3af or 802.3at compliant PD components performing PoE standards compliant processing. Each standards compliant PD component may be configured within firstpowered device506 and/or secondpowered device510, as described above with respectFIG. 6, thereby allowing the standards compliant components to support the described functionality, and to support example process flows, such as those process flows described below with respect toFIG. 11 throughFIG. 13.
• Further, in example powered device embodiments, any number of non-combined PSE port units may be used to meet the power demands of the described powered device and/or the power demands of any number of powered devices connected to the described powered device via pass through ports. For example, apowered device506 described above with respect toFIG. 6 that is capable of receiving two 8-wire communication cables fromPSE502, instead of the one PSE-to-PD communication cable shown inFIG. 6, can include 2 additional non-combined PD port units. An added non-combined PD port unit that is to provide power to a second base load, i.e., another non-optional permanent load similar tobase load546, may be connected directly to the wire taps of the PoE powered pair on which PoE power is received. An added non-combined PD port unit that is to provide power to another optional load within the powered device, i.e., another optional load similar tooptional load548, may be connected to the wire taps of the PoE powered pair on which PoE power is received viacontrol circuit544. WhileFIG. 6 has502 with non-combined PSEs it may also utilize a combined PSE source like202 inFIG. 3.
• In a powered device embodiment, similar topowered device506 described above with respect toFIG. 6 but that is configured to receive multiple PoE enabled communication cables fromPSE502,detection unit558 may be adapted to monitor for the presence of any number of optional loads and may be configured to provide information related to the optional loads detected to controlcircuit544. Similarly,control circuit544 may be adapted to connect to any number of PoE powered pair wire taps, similar to wire taps538, and may be configured to connect the respective wire taps to any number of added non-combined PD port units supporting the respective optional loads. Such added non-combined PD port units and their respective optional loads can be located within the powered device, or may reside within another powered device connected by one of any number of pass-through ports, e.g., similar to pass-throughport564, as described above with respect toFIG. 6.
• In one example powered device embodiment, the priority with whichcontrol circuit544 distributes PoE power to the respective optional loads is controlled by hard-wired circuitry included withincontrol circuit544. In another example powered device embodiment, the priority with whichcontrol circuit544 distributes PoE power to the respective optional loads is controlled by one or more manually set switches, e.g., a dual in-line package (DIP) switches or other manually configurable switches that are used to set the priority with which each optional load is powered. Other embodiments may use digitally controlled switches rather than the manually set switches. In yet another example powered device embodiment,control circuit544 includes a priority control unit that determines a priority of the respective optional loads based on a polling of the respective optional loads, e.g., by polling an initial PD sense feedback resistance placed across monitoring leads, e.g., such as monitoring leads560 described above with respect toFIG. 6. In still yet another example powered device embodiment,detection unit558 includes a priority control unit that determines a priority of the respective optional loads based on a polling of the respective optional loads, e.g., by polling an initial PD sense feedback resistance placed across monitoring leads, e.g., such as monitoring leads560 described above with respect toFIG. 6. Based on the resistance sensed bydetection unit558, the priority control unit determines a priority for each optional load and provides the priority information to controlcircuit544.
• Further, a non-combined PD port unit embodiment, such as non-combinedPD port unit541 described above with respect toFIG. 7, may be configured to support a multi-part optional load. In such an embodiment, the power conversion/power distribution module606 includes a priority control unit that distributes received PoE power to the respective loads based on a predetermined, or dynamically determined priority. In such an embodiment, the power conversion/power distribution module distributes power based on the determined priority until the available power is fully allocated.
• Embodiments ofcontrol circuit544 and power conversion/power distribution module606 that distribute power based on a determined priority may further monitor an amount of power being consumed by the respective loads.Control circuit544 and power conversion/power distribution module606 may terminate power to one or more loads based on an amount of power available, and the determined priority of the load.Control circuit544 and power conversion/power distribution module606 may also be configured to terminate power to one or more loads in response to a command received by the powered device via a communication control line.
• FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of aPoE service chain700 that is similar toPoE service chain500, described above with respect toFIG. 6. Components inPoE service chain700 which are identical to corresponding components inPoE service chain500 have been provided with numeric labels that match the numeric label of the corresponding feature described above with respect toFIG. 6. Only the first digit of each numeric label has been changed to correspond to the new figure number. For example,power sourcing equipment702,first communication cable704,second communication cable708 and secondpowered device710 are identical in configuration and function to corresponding components described above with respect toFIG. 6. Components that remain the same inFIG. 8 as the corresponding component described above with respect toFIG. 6 will not again be described.
• Powered device706 differs frompowered device506, described above with respect toFIG. 6, in that there is only a single PD port unit and there is no optional load within the powered device. Power tobase load746,control circuit744 anddetection unit758 is controlled by non-combinedPD port unit741.
• With respect topowered device706, non-combinedPD port unit741 is configured to support PoE negotiation with power sourcing equipment (PSE)702 overpowered cable pair722. In one embodiment, non-combinedPD port unit741 provides power sourcing equipment (PSE)702 with an initial PD sense feedback based on a predetermined resistance placed acrosstap connection736. Upon sensing the predetermined resistance, power sourcing equipment (PSE)702 provides non-combinedPD port unit741 with a predetermined initial power level that is used by non-combinedPD port unit741 to power-up enough circuitry to conduct subsequent PoE power negotiations with power sourcing equipment (PSE)702. Upon receipt of the higher, negotiated power level, non-combinedPD port unit741 delivers power to and initiates a startup ofbase load746 circuitry,detection unit758 andcontrol circuit744.
• Upon startup,detection unit758 tests tapconnection762 to determine whether secondoptional load786 is present. For example,detection unit758 may test for the presence of a predetermined resistance, and if the predetermined resistance is located,detection unit758 reports to controlcircuit744 thatoptional load786 is present. Upon startup,control circuit744 awaits detection information fromdetection unit558. Ifoptional load786 is detected,control circuit744 connectstaps738 from secondpowered pair728 ofcable704 to power taps762 onpowered pair772 withincable708.
• FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of aPoE service chain800 that is similar toPoE service chain700, described above with respect toFIG. 8. Components inPoE service chain800 which are identical to corresponding components inPoE service chain700 have been provided with numeric labels that match the numeric label of the corresponding feature described above with respect toFIG. 8. Only the first digit of each numeric label has been changed to correspond to the new figure number. For example,power sourcing equipment802,first communication cable804,second communication cable808 and secondpowered device810 are identical in configuration and function to corresponding components described above with respect toFIG. 8. Components that remain the same inFIG. 9 as the corresponding component described above with respect toFIG. 8 will not again be described.
• Powered device806 differs frompowered device706, described above with respect toFIG. 8, in that there is no corresponding detection unit or control circuit. These components are not needed because inpowered device806, taps838 from second poweredcable pair828 ofcable804 are permanently connected to power taps862 onpowered cable pair872 withincable808.
• With respect topowered device806, non-combinedPD port unit841 is configured to support PoE negotiation with power sourcing equipment (PSE)802 overpowered pair822. In one embodiment, non-combinedPD port unit841 provides power sourcing equipment (PSE)802 with an initial PD sense feedback based on a predetermined resistance placed across tap connection836. Upon sensing the predetermined resistance, power sourcing equipment (PSE)802 provides non-combinedPD port unit841 with a predetermined initial power level that is used by non-combinedPD port unit841 to power-up enough circuitry to conduct subsequent PoE power negotiations with power sourcing equipment (PSE)802. Upon receipt of the higher, negotiated power level, non-combinedPD port unit841 delivers power to and initiates a startup of base load846 circuitry.
• FIG. 10 is a flow-chart of an example process performed by a powered device (PD) configured with a combinedPD port unit142 and an optionally powered PoE pass-throughport164, as described above with respect toFIG. 2 andFIG. 3. As shown inFIG. 10, operation of the process begins at S902 and proceeds to S904.
• At S904, a first PD powered pair unit, e.g., PD poweredport unit302 described with respect toFIG. 4 or PD poweredport unit402 described with respect toFIG. 5 within combinedPD port unit142, presents a PD sense feedback, e.g., a predetermined resistance, to a PSE port unit, e.g., a non-combinedPSE port unit112 described above with respect toFIG. 2 or combinedPSE port unit202 described above with respect toFIG. 3, over firstpowered pair122 withincable104 and operation of the process continues at S906.
• At S906, the first PD powered pair unit receives a predetermined initial level of PoE power over first PoE poweredpair122, and operation of the process continues at S908.
• At S908, the first PD powered pair unit powers up and performs a PoE PD/PSE power negotiation with the PSE port unit over first PoE poweredpair122, and operation of the process continues at S910.
• At S910, the first PD powered pair unit receives the negotiated power level from the PSE port unit over the first PoE poweredpair122, and operation of the process continues at S912.
• At S912, combinedPD port unit142 provides power tobase load146 to initiate a startup of the base system, provides power todetection unit158, and provides power to controlcircuit144, and operation of the process continues at S914.
• At S914, ifdetection unit158 detects the presence of a first optional load, e.g., by detecting a predetermined resistance across wire-pair160 shown inFIG. 2 andFIG. 3, operation of the process continues at S916; otherwise, operation of the process continues at S928.
• At S916,control circuit144 connectstaps138 from secondpowered pair128 ofcable104 to combinedPD port unit142, and operation of the process continues at S918.
• At S918, a second PD powered pair unit, e.g., PD poweredport unit304 described with respect toFIG. 4 or PD poweredport unit404 described with respect toFIG. 5 within combinedPD port unit142, presents a PD sense feedback, e.g., a predetermined resistance, to a PSE port unit, e.g., a second non-combinedPSE port unit116 described above with respect toFIG. 2 or combinedPSE port unit202 described above with respect toFIG. 3, over secondpowered pair128 withincable104, and operation of the process continues at S920.
• At S920, the second PD powered pair unit receives a predetermined initial level of PoE power over the second PoE poweredpair128, and operation of the process continues at S922.
• At S922, the second PD powered pair unit powers up and performs a PoE PD/PSE power negotiation with the PSE port unit over the second PoE poweredpair128, and operation of the process continues at S924.
• At S924, the second PD powered pair unit receives the negotiated power level from the PSE port unit over the second PoE poweredpair128, and operation of the process continues at S926.
• At S926, combinedPD port unit142 provides power to firstoptional load148 to initiate a startup of the circuitry associated with the firstoptional load148, and operation of the process continues at S928.
• At S928, ifdetection unit158 does not detect the presence of a first optional load, operation of the process continues at S930; otherwise, operation of the process continues at S934.
• At S930, ifdetection unit158 detects the presence of a second optional load, operation of the process continues at S932; otherwise, operation of the process continues at S934.
• At S932,control circuit144 connectstaps138 from secondpowered pair128 ofcable104 to corresponding power taps162 onpowered cable pair172 withincable108, and operation of the process continues at S934. In connecting the second optional load, power negotiation would be performed for second optional load and related toPD Port Unit582.
• Operation of the process concludes at S934.
• FIG. 11 is a flow-chart of an example process performed by a powered device configured with non-combined PD port units, e.g., non-combinedPD port unit541 and non-combinedPD port unit543 described above with respect toFIG. 6 and an optionally powered PoE pass-throughport564, as described above with respect toFIG. 6. As shown inFIG. 11, operation of the process begins at S1002 and proceeds to S1004.
• At S1004, a first non-combinedPD port unit541, e.g., described above with respect toFIG. 6, presents a PD sense feedback, e.g., a predetermined resistance, to a PSE port unit, e.g., a non-combinedPSE port unit512 or combinedPSE port unit202 described above with respect toFIG. 3, over firstpowered pair522 withincable504 and operation of the process continues at S1006.
• At S1006, the first non-combined PD port unit receives a predetermined initial level of PoE power over first PoE poweredpair522, and operation of the process continues at S1008.
• At S1008, the first non-combined PD port unit powers up and performs a PoE PD/PSE power negotiation with the PSE port unit over first PoE poweredpair522, and operation of the process continues at S1010.
• At S1010, the first non-combined PD port unit receives the negotiated power level from the PSE port unit over the first PoE poweredpair522, and operation of the process continues at S1012.
• At S1012, the first non-combined PD port unit provides power tobase load546 to initiate a startup of the base system, provides power todetection unit558, and provides power to controlcircuit544, and operation of the process continues at S1014.
• At S1014, ifdetection unit558 detects the presence of a first optional load, e.g., by detecting a predetermined resistance across wire-pair560 shown inFIG. 6, operation of the process continues at S1016; otherwise, operation of the process continues at S1028.
• At S1016,control circuit544 connectstaps538 from second powered pair528 ofcable504 to second non-combinedPD port unit543, and operation of the process continues at S1018.
• At S1018, the second non-combined PD port unit, presents a PD sense feedback, e.g., a predetermined resistance, to a PSE port unit, e.g., a second non-combinedPSE port unit516 described above with respect toFIG. 6 or combinedPSE port unit202 described above with respect toFIG. 3, over second powered pair528 withincable504, and operation of the process continues at S1020.
• At S1020, the second non-combined PD port unit receives a predetermined initial level of PoE power over the second PoE powered pair528, and operation of the process continues at S1022.
• At S1022, the second non-combined PD port unit powers up and performs a PoE PD/PSE power negotiation with the PSE port unit over the second PoE powered pair528, and operation of the process continues at S1024.
• At S1024, the second non-combined PD port unit receives the negotiated power level from the PSE port unit over the second PoE powered pair528, and operation of the process continues at S1026.
• At S1026, the second non-combined PD port unit provides power to firstoptional load548 to initiate a startup of the circuitry associated with the firstoptional load548, and operation of the process continues at S1028.
• At S1028, ifdetection unit558 does not detect the presence of a first optional load, operation of the process continues at S1030; otherwise, operation of the process continues at S1034.
• At S1030, ifdetection unit558 detects the presence of a second optional load, e.g., by detecting a predetermined resistance across tap-connection562 shown inFIG. 6, operation of the process continues at S1032; otherwise, operation of the process continues at S1030.
• At S1032,control circuit544 connectstaps538 from second powered pair528 ofcable504 to corresponding power taps562 onpowered pair572 withincable508, and operation of the process continues at S1034. With connection of the second optional load, power negotiation can be performed for second optional load, as noted above.
• Operation of the process concludes at S1034.
• FIG. 12 is a flow-chart of an example process performed by a powered device configured with a single non-combined PD port unit, e.g., non-combinedPD port unit741 described above with respect toFIG. 8 and an optionally powered PoE pass-throughport764, as described above with respect toFIG. 8. As shown inFIG. 12, operation of the process begins at S1102 and proceeds to S1104.
• At S1104, a non-combinedPD port unit741, e.g., described above with respect toFIG. 8, presents a PD sense feedback, e.g., a predetermined resistance, to a PSE port unit, e.g., a non-combinedPSE port unit712 or combinedPSE port unit202 described above with respect toFIG. 3, over firstpowered pair722 withincable704 and operation of the process continues at S1106.
• At S1106, the non-combined PD port unit receives a predetermined initial level of PoE power over first PoE poweredpair722, and operation of the process continues at S1108.
• At S1108, the non-combined PD port unit powers up and performs a PoE PD/PSE power negotiation with the PSE port unit over first PoE poweredpair722, and operation of the process continues at S1110.
• At S1110, the first non-combined PD port unit receives the negotiated power level from the PSE port unit over the first PoE poweredpair722, and operation of the process continues at S1112.
• At S1112, the first non-combined PD port unit provides power tobase load746 to initiate a startup of the base system, provides power todetection unit758, and provides power to controlcircuit744, and operation of the process continues at S1114.
• At S1114, ifdetection unit758 detects the presence of a second optional load, e.g., by detecting a predetermined resistance across wire-pair762 shown inFIG. 8, operation of the process continues at S1116; otherwise, operation of the process continues at S1114.
• At S1116,control circuit744 connectstaps738 from secondpowered pair728 ofcable704 to corresponding power taps762 onpowered pair772 withincable708, and operation of the process continues at S1118. Power foroptional load786 is negotiated accordingly.
• At S1118, ifdetection unit758 detects that a power down has been initiated, operation of the process continues at S1120.
• At S1120, the second pair of powered taps are disconnected from the PoE pass-throughport864. Operation of the process concludes at S1122.
• FIG. 13 is a flow-chart of an example process performed by a powered device configured with a single non-combined PD port unit, e.g., non-combinedPD port unit841 described above with respect toFIG. 9 and a powered PoE pass-throughport864, as described above with respect toFIG. 9. As shown inFIG. 13, operation of the process begins at S1202 and proceeds to S1204.
• At S1204, a non-combinedPD port unit841, e.g., described above with respect toFIG. 9, presents a PD sense feedback, e.g., a predetermined resistance, to a PSE port unit, e.g., a non-combinedPSE port unit812 or combinedPSE port unit202 described above with respect toFIG. 3, over firstpowered pair822 withincable804 and operation of the process continues at S1206.
• At S1206, the non-combined PD port unit receives a predetermined initial level of PoE power over first PoE poweredpair822, and operation of the process continues at S1208.
• At S1208, the non-combined PD port unit powers up and performs a PoE PD/PSE power negotiation with the PSE port unit over first PoE poweredpair822, and operation of the process continues at S1210.
• At S1210, the first non-combined PD port unit receives the negotiated power level from the PSE port unit over the first PoE poweredpair822, and operation of the process continues at S1212.
• At S1212, the first non-combined PD port unit provides power to base load846 to initiate a startup of the base system, and operation of the process continues at S1214.
• At S1214, taps838 ofport834 are permanently connected to corresponding power taps862 on powered PoE pass-throughport864 thereby allowing non-combinedPD port unit882 withinpowered device810 to provide a PD sense feedback and to perform PoE PD/PSE power negotiation directly with a PSE port unit, e.g., a non-combinedPSE port unit816 or combinedPSE port unit202 described above with respect toFIG. 3.
• FIGS. 2,3, and6 illustrate single cable embodiments of the invention. Though, other multi-cable embodiments may employ 2 or more cables. For example, and turning now to the schematic diagram inFIG. 14, is a schematic diagram of aPoE service chain1400 for use in a communication system or device in which a first powered device (PD)1402 embodiment receives PoE power from power sourcing equipment (PSE)1404 and1406 via conductors or wire pairs withincommunication cables1408,1410, similar to the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 6. ThePD1402 selectively delivers the received PoE power to power loads within thePD1402, or to a secondpowered device1412 via a pass through communication port or to both, based on a set of determined priorities and/or detected loads according to the invention. As with the embodiment inFIG. 6, thepowered devices1402,1412 may contain a PD port unit which contains electronic circuitry including a PD controller/interface as well as Ethernet magnetics which are configured to extract power from CATx cables, for example.
• In this illustrated embodiment,power sourcing equipment1404 may include a first non-combinedPSE port unit1414, a second non-combinedPSE port unit1416, and a PoE enabledcommunication port1418 that is operably coupled to theunits1414,1416. Similarly,power sourcing equipment1406 may include a third non-combinedPSE port unit1420, a fourth non-combinedPSE port unit1422, and a PoE enabledcommunication port1424 that is operably coupled to theunits1420,1422. Other embodiments may employ a combined PSE port such asPSE port512 inFIG. 6, or a combination of combine and uncombined PSE ports. ThePSE port units1414,1416,1420,1422 similarly contain electronic circuitry including a PSE controller/interface and Ethernet magnetics configured to allow the application and control of power on cables, such as CATx cables. WhileFIG. 14shows units1414 and1416 co-located inelement1404 andunits1420 and1422 co-located inelement1406, any of the units may be in separate locations or components.
• First non-combinedPSE port unit1414 connects viatap connection1426 to a first poweredcable pair1428 of acommunication cable1408 connected to PoE enabledcommunication port1418. Second non-combinedPSE port unit1416 connects viatap connection1430 to a secondpowered cable pair1432 ofcommunication cable1408. The set orcable pair1428 includeswire pair1434 andwire pair1436. Similarly,cable pair1432 includes wire pairs1438 and1440.
• Similarly, third non-combinedPSE port unit1420 connects viatap connection1442 to a first poweredcable pair1444 of acommunication cable1410 connected to PoE enabledcommunication port1424. Fourth non-combinedPSE port unit1422 connects viatap connection1446 to a secondpowered cable pair1448 ofcommunication cable1410. The set orcable pair1444 includeswire pair1450 andwire pair1452. Similarly,cable pair1448 includes wire pairs1454 and1456.
• First non-combinedPD port unit1462 is configured to support PoE negotiation with power sourcing equipment (PSE)1404 over poweredcable pair1428. In one embodiment, first non-combinedPD port unit1462 provides power sourcing equipment (PSE)1404 with an initial PD sense feedback based on a predetermined resistance placed acrosstap connection1480. Upon sensing the predetermined resistance, power sourcing equipment (PSE)1404 provides first non-combinedPD port unit1462 with a predetermined initial power level that is used by non-combinedPD port unit1462 to power-up enough circuitry to conduct subsequent PoE power negotiations with power sourcing equipment (PSE)1404. Upon receipt of the higher, negotiated power level, first non-combinedPD port unit1462 delivers power to and initiates a startup ofbase load1466 circuitry,detection unit1476 andcontrol circuit1464.
• Upon startup,detection unit1476 tests monitoring leads1482,1484 andtap connection1486 to determine whether firstoptional load1468,second option load1472 and thirdoptional load1488, respectively, are present. For example,detection unit1476 may test for the presence of a predetermined resistance on each of the respective leads, and if the predetermined resistance is located,detection unit1476 reports to controlcircuit1464 that the respective load is present. Upon startup,control circuit1464 awaits detection information fromdetection unit1476. If firstoptional load1468 is detected,control circuit1464 may connect any oftaps1490,1492,1494 from powered cable pairs1432,1444, and1448 ofcables1408 and1410 to second non-combinedPD port unit1470. If firstoptional load1468 is not detected and secondoptional load1472 is detected,control circuit1464 may connect any oftaps1490,1492,1494 from powered cable pairs1432,1444, and1448 ofcables1408 and1410 to third non-combinedPD port unit1474. Otherwise, control circuit may connect any oftaps1490,1492,1494 from powered cable pairs1432,1444, and1448 ofcables1408 and1410 topower taps1486 on or associated withpowered pair1496 withincable1498.
• Connecting any oftaps1490,1492,1494 from powered cable pairs1432,1444, and1448 ofcables1408 and1410 to second or third non-combinedPD port units1470,1474 allows second or third non-combinedPD port units1470,1474 to perform PD/PSE PoE power negotiation with power sourcing equipment (PSE)1404,1406 over any ofcable pairs1432,1444, or1448. Once a negotiated power level is received, non-combinedPD port units1470 or1474 provide power to respective first or secondoptional loads1468,1472. Connecting any oftaps1490,1492,1494 from powered cable pairs1432,1444, and1448 ofcables1408 and1410 topower taps1486 on poweredcable pair1496 withincable1498 allows a fourth non-combinedPD port unit1499 to perform PD/PSE PoE power negotiation with power sourcing equipment (PSE)1404 and/or1406. Once a negotiated power level is received, fourth non-combinedPD port unit1499 provides power to thirdoptional load1488.
• While the embodiment described inFIG. 14 receives its initial power to the first non-combinedPD port unit1462 overcable pairs1428, any of the cable pairs1428,1432,1444,1448 may be used to deliver power. Additionally in some embodiments, initial power may also be delivered by a cable pair from each of the1408 and1410 connecting both power sourcing equipment (PSE)1404 and1406. This configuration may assist in allowing the system and at least the base load to operate if only onePSE1404,1406 is supplying power. As also can be seen in the embodiments above, power delivery over cable pairs may include traditional PoE as defined in the PoE standard or power that exceeds or otherwise does not conform to the PoE standard.
• Turning now to the schematic diagram inFIG. 15, this schematic diagram illustrates an embodiment of aPoE service chain1500 for use in a communication system or device in which a first powered device (PD)1502 embodiment receives PoE power from power sourcing equipment (PSE)1504 and1506 via conductors or wire pairs withincommunication cables1508,1510, similar to the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3. Although the embodiment inFIG. 15 shows the use of non-combinedPSE port units1514,1516,1520,1522, combined PSE port units, such asPSE port unit212 inFIG. 3 may also be used to supply power to the embodiment inFIG. 15 as well as the embodiment inFIG. 14.
• Similar to the embodiments described above, thePD1502 selectively delivers the received PoE power to power loads within thePD1502, or to an additionalpowered device1512 via a pass through communication port or to both, based on a set of determined priorities and/or detected loads according to the invention. Thepowered devices1502,1512 may contain a PD port unit which contains electronic circuitry including a PD controller/interface as well as Ethernet magnetics which are configured to extract power from CATx cables, for example.
• As shown inFIG. 15,power sourcing equipment1504 includes a first non-combinedPSE port unit1514, a second non-combinedPSE port unit1516, and a PoE enabledcommunication port1518 that is operably coupled to theunits1514,1516. Additionalpower sourcing equipment1506 includes a third non-combinedPSE port unit1520, a fourth non-combinedPSE port unit1522, and a PoE enabledcommunication port1524 that is operably coupled to theunits1520,1522. The PSE port units contain electronic circuitry including a PSE controller/interface and Ethernet magnetics configured to allow the application and control of power on cables, similar to the embodiments described above. WhileFIG. 15shows units1514,1516 andunits1520,1522 co-located inrespective elements1504,1506, similar to the embodiments discussed above, they might also be in separate locations or components. First non-combinedPSE port unit1514 connects viatap connection1526 to a first poweredcable pair1528 of acommunication cable1508 connected to PoE enabledcommunication port1518. Second non-combinedPSE port unit1516 connects viatap connection1530 to a secondpowered cable pair1532 ofcommunication cable1508. The set orcable pair1528 includeswire pair1534 andwire pair1536. Similarly,cable pair1532 includes wire pairs1538 and1540. Third non-combinedPSE port unit1520 connects viatap connection1542 to a first poweredcable pair1544 of acommunication cable1510 connected to PoE enabledcommunication port1524. Second non-combinedPSE port unit1522 connects viatap connection1546 to a secondpowered cable pair1548 ofcommunication cable1510. The set orcable pair1544 includeswire pair1550 andwire pair1552. Similarly,cable pair1548 includes wire pairs1554 and1556.
• In this multi-cable embodiment, firstpowered device1502 includes a first PoE enabledcommunication port1558, a second PoE enabledcommunication port1560, a combinedPD port unit1562, acontrol circuit1564, abase load1566, first and secondoptional loads1568,1572, adetection unit1576, and a pass throughcommunication port1578 ofpowered device1502. CombinedPD port unit1562 connects viatap connection1580 to poweredcable pair1528 ofcommunication cable1508 connected to PoE enabledport1558 ofpowered device1502.Unit1562 also connects tobase load1566 viapower lead1567, connects to firstoptional load1568 via power lead1569, and connects to secondoptional load1572 via power lead1573 to supply power to thoseloads1566,1568, and1572. Theunit1562 connects todetection unit1576 and to controlcircuit1564 viapower lead1577, and further connects to controlcircuit1564 via PoE transfer leads1561.Control circuit1564 connects viatap connections1590,1592,1594 to powered cable pairs1532,1544,1548 ofcommunication cables1508,1510 to receive power fromcable pairs1532,1544,1548. Depending on the operation of the this embodiment of the invention,control circuit1564 optionally connects orcouples1590,1592, and1594 to either combinedPD port unit1562 via the PoE transfer leads1561 or to anotherpowered cable pair1596 of acommunication cable1598 that is connected to the pass throughcommunication port1578 viatap connection1586. In that way, thecontrol circuit1564 can deliver power to either or bothoptional loads1568,1572 or pass power through tooptional load1588.Detection unit1576 monitors the presence of first and secondoptional loads1568,1572 via respective monitoring leads1569,1573, monitors the presence of thirdoptional load1588 viatap connection1586, and provides detection information based on such monitoring to thecontrol circuit1564 viacontrol lead1565.
• Secondpowered device1512, in this particular embodiment, which may be a peripheral or plug-in device, includes a PoE enabledport1513, a non-combinedPD port unit1599 and a thirdoptional load1588. Thedevice1512 and thirdoptional load1588 illustrated inFIG. 15 and the other various devices and optional loads as discussed both with this and other embodiments might be, for example, WiFi access points, WiMax access points, maintenance terminals, IP camera, and/or combinations thereof as discussed above. Non-combinedPD port unit1599 connects viatap connection1587 to thepowered cable pair1596 of acommunication cable1598 that is connected to the PoE enabledport1513. Non-combinedPSE port unit182 delivers PoE power to secondoptional load1588 via suitable internal leads.
• In contrast to the embodiment of thepowered device1402 inFIG. 14,powered device1502 inFIG. 15 utilizes combinedPD port unit1562, which is configured to support PoE negotiation with non-combinedPSE port unit1514 over poweredcable pair1528. Upon sensing a predetermined resistance, in some embodiments, non-combinedPSE Port unit1514 provides combinedPD port unit1562 with a predetermined initial power level that is used by combinedPD port unit1562 to power-up enough circuitry to conduct subsequent PoE power negotiations with non-combinedPSE Port unit1514. Upon receipt of the higher, negotiated power level, combinedpower unit1562 delivers power to and initiates a startup ofbase load1566 circuitry,detection unit1576 andcontrol circuit1564.
• Upon startup,detection unit1576 tests leads1569 and1572 andtap connection1586 to determine whether either first or secondoptional loads1568,1572 and thirdoptional load1588, respectively, are present. If so,detection unit1576 is operable to report tocontrol circuit1564 that the respective detected load is present. Upon startup,control circuit1564 awaits detection information fromdetection unit1576. If the firstoptional load1568 is detected,control circuit1564 may connect any oftaps1590,1592,1594 from powered cable pairs1532,1544, and1548 ofcables1508 and1510 to combinedPD port unit1562 via PoE transfer leads1561. If firstoptional load1568 is not detected, but secondoptional load1572 is detected,control circuit1564 may also connect any oftaps1590,1592,1594 from powered cable pairs1532,1544, and1548 ofcables1508 and1510 to combinedPD port unit1562 via PoE transfer leads1561. If neither the first or secondoptional loads1568,1572 are detected, and/or if the thirdoptional load1588 is detected,control circuit1564 connects any oftaps1590,1592,1594 from powered cable pairs1532,1544, and1548 ofcables1508 and1510 topower taps1586 on or associated withpowered pair1596 withincable1598. Wire pairs1597 are not used in this illustrated embodiment.
• Connecting any oftaps1590,1592,1594 from powered cable pairs1532,1544, and1548 ofcables1508 and1510 to the combinedPD port unit1562 allows combinedPD port unit1562 to perform PD/PSE PoE power negotiation with the non-combinedPSE port units1516,1520, or1522. Once a negotiated power level is received, combinedPD port unit152 provides power to first and/or secondoptional loads1568,1572. To power thirdoptional load1588, connecting any oftaps1590,1592,1594 from powered cable pairs1532,1544, and1548 ofcables1508 and1510 topower taps1586 on or associated withpowered cable pair1596 withincable1598 allows non-combinedPD port unit1599 to perform PD/PSE PoE power negotiation with non-combinedPSE port units1516,1520, or1522. Once a negotiated power level is received, non-combinedPD port unit1599 provides power to second thirdoptional load1588.
• FIGS. 16A-B are flow-charts of an example process performed by a powered device configured with multiple non-combined PD port units, e.g., non-combinedPD port units1462,1470,1474 described above with respect toFIG. 14 and a powered PoE pass-throughport1478, as described above with respect toFIG. 14. As shown inFIGS. 16A-B, operation of the process begins at S1602 and proceeds to S1604.
• At S1604, the first non-combinedPD port unit1462 provides PD sense feedback toPSE1414 over first PoE poweredpair1428, and operation of the process continues at S1606
• At S1606, initial power is received fromPSE1414 over first PoE poweredpair1428, and operation of the process continues at S1608.
• At S1608, PD/PSE power negotiation is performed over the firstpowered pair1428, and operation of the process continues at S1610.
• At S1610, negotiated power is received fromPSE1414 over firstpowered pair1428, and operation of the process continues at S1612.
• At S1612, the base system (base load1466,detection unit1476, control circuit1464) is started with the power received over the firstpowered pair1428, and operation of the process continues at S1614.
• At S1614, if the first optional load is not present, operation of the process continues at S1628. However, if the first optional load is present, operation of the process continues at S1616.
• At S1616, available taps1490 (1490,1492, and/or1494 if second cable is connected) are connected to the second non-combinedPD port unit1470, and operation of the process continues at S1618.
• At S1618, PD sense feedback is provided from the second non-combinedPD port unit1470 to PSE1416 (any of1416,1420,1422 if second cable connected) over PoE powered pair1432 (any of1432,1444,1448 if second cable connected), and operation of the process continues at S1620.
• At S1620, initial power is received from PSE1416 (any of1416,1420,1422 if second cable connected) over PoE powered pair1432 (any of1432,1444,1448 if second cable connected), and operation of the process continues at S1622.
• At S1622, PD/PSE power negotiation is performed over PoE powered pair1432 (any of1432,1444,1448 if second cable connected), and operation of the process continues at S1624.
• At S1624, negotiated power is received from PSE1416 (any of1416,1420,1422 if second cable connected) over powered pair1432 (any of1432,1444,1448 if second cable connected), and operation of the process continues at S1626.
• At S1626, the firstoptional load1468 is powered up, and operation of the process continues at S1628.
• At S1628, if the secondoptional load1472 is not present, operation of the process continues at S1642. However, if the secondoptional load1472 is present, operation of the process continues at S1630.
• At S1630,available taps1490,1492, and/or1494 are connected to the third non-combinedPD port unit1474, and operation of the process continues at S1632.
• At S1632, PD sense feedback is provided from the third non-combinedPD port unit1474 to PSE1416 (any of1416,1420,1422 if second cable connected) over PoE powered pair1432 (any of1432,1444,1448 if second cable connected), and operation of the process continues at S1634.
• At S1634, initial power is received from PSE1416 (any of1416,1420,1422 if second cable connected) over PoE powered pair1432 (any of1432,1444,1448 if second cable connected), and operation of the process continues at S1636.
• At S1636, PD/PSE power negotiation is performed over PoE powered pair1432 (any of1432,1444,1448 if second cable connected), and operation of the process continues at S1638.
• At S1638, negotiated power is received from PSE1416 (any of1416,1420,1422 if second cable connected) over powered pair1432 (any of1432,1444,1448 if second cable connected), and operation of the process continues at S1640.
• At S1640, the secondoptional load1472 is powered up, and operation of the process continues at S1642.
• At S1642, if the thirdoptional load1488 is not present, operation of the process continues at S1648. However, if the thirdoptional load1488 is present, operation of the process continues at S1644.
• At S1644, if the thirdoptional load1488 is powered up, then the process continues at S1648. Otherwise, if the thirdoptional load1488 is not powered up, operation of the process continues at S1646.
• At S1646, available taps1490 (1490,1492, and/or1494 if second cable is connected) are connected to the PoE pass throughport1478, and operation of the process continues at S1648.
• At S1648, if thesecond cable1410 is not connected, operation of the process continues at S1642. However, if thesecond cable1410 is connected, operation of the process continues at S1650.
• At S1650, if the firstoptional load1468 is not powered up, then operation of the process continues at S1614. Otherwise, if the firstoptional load1468 is powered up, the process continues at S1652.
• At S1652, if the secondoptional load1472 is not powered up, then operation of the process continues at S1628. Otherwise, if the secondoptional load1472 is powered up, the process continues at S1654.
• At S1654, if the thirdoptional load1488 is not powered up, then operation of the process continues at S1642. Otherwise, if third firstoptional load1488 is powered up, the process continues at S1656.
• Operation of the process concludes at S1656.
• FIGS. 17A-B are flow-charts of an example process performed by a powered device configured with a single combined PD port unit, e.g., combinedPD port unit1562 described above with respect toFIG. 15 and a powered PoE pass-throughport1578, as described above with respect toFIG. 15. As shown inFIGS. 17A-B, operation of the process begins at S1702 and proceeds to S1704.
• At S1704, the combinedPD port unit1562 provides PD sense feedback toPSE1514 over first PoE poweredpair1528, and operation of the process continues at S1706
• At S1706, initial power is received fromPSE1514 over first PoE poweredpair1528, and operation of the process continues at S1708.
• At S1708, PD/PSE power negotiation is performed over the firstpowered pair1528, and operation of the process continues at S1710.
• At S1710, negotiated power is received fromPSE1514 over firstpowered pair1528, and operation of the process continues at S1712.
• At S1712, the base system (base load1566,detection unit1576, control circuit1564) is started with the power received over the firstpowered pair1528, and operation of the process continues at S1714.
• At S1714, if the first optional load is not present, operation of the process continues at S1728. However, if the first optional load is present, operation of the process continues at S1716.
• At S1716, available taps1590 (1590,1592, and/or1594 is second cable is connected) are connected to the combinedPD port unit1562, and operation of the process continues at S1718.
• At S1718, PD sense feedback is provided from the combinedPD port unit1562 to PSE1516 (any of1516,1520,1522 if second cable connected) over PoE powered pair1532 (any of1532,1544,1548 if second cable connected), and operation of the process continues at S1720.
• At S1720, initial power is received from PSE1516 (any of1516,1520,1522 if second cable connected) over PoE powered pair1532 (any of1532,1544,1548 if second cable connected), and operation of the process continues at S1722.
• At S1722, PD/PSE power negotiation is performed over PoE powered pair1532 (any of1532,1544,1548 if second cable connected), and operation of the process continues at S1724.
• At S1724, negotiated power is received from PSE1516 (any of1516,1520,1522 if second cable connected) over powered pair1532 (any of1532,1544,1548 if second cable connected), and operation of the process continues at S1726.
• At S1726, the firstoptional load1568 is powered up, and operation of the process continues at S1728.
• At S1728, if the secondoptional load1572 is not present, operation of the process continues at S1742. However, if the secondoptional load1572 is present, operation of the process continues at S1730.
• At S1730, available taps1590 (1590,1592, and/or1594 if second cable is connected) are connected to the combinedPD port unit1562, and operation of the process continues at S1732.
• At S1732, PD sense feedback is provided from the combinedPD port unit1562 to PSE1516 (any of1516,1520,1522 if second cable connected) over PoE powered pair1532 (any of1532,1544,1548 if second cable connected), and operation of the process continues at S1734.
• At S1734, initial power is received from PSE1516 (any of1516,1520,1522 if second cable connected) over PoE powered pair1532 (any of1532,1544,1548 if second cable connected), and operation of the process continues at S1736.
• At S1736, PD/PSE power negotiation is performed over PoE powered pair1532 (any of1532,1544,1548 if second cable connected), and operation of the process continues at S1738.
• At S1738, negotiated power is received from PSE1516 (any of1516,1520,1522 if second cable connected) over powered pair1532 (any of1532,1544,1548 if second cable connected), and operation of the process continues at S1740.
• At S1740, the secondoptional load1572 is powered up, and operation of the process continues at S1742.
• At S1742, if the thirdoptional load1588 is not present, operation of the process continues at S1748. However, if the thirdoptional load1588 is present, operation of the process continues at S1744.
• At S1744, if the thirdoptional load1588 is powered up, then the process continues at S1748. Otherwise, if the thirdoptional load1588 is not powered up, operation of the process continues at S1746.
• At S1746, available taps1590 (1590,1592, and/or1594 if second cable is connected) are connected to the PoE pass throughport1578, and operation of the process continues at S1748.
• At S1748, if thesecond cable1510 is not connected, operation of the process continues at S1742. However, if thesecond cable1510 is connected, operation of the process continues at S1750.
• At S1750, if the firstoptional load1568 is not powered up, then operation of the process continues at S1714. Otherwise, if the firstoptional load1568 is powered up, the process continues at S1752.
• At S1752, if the secondoptional load1572 is not powered up, then operation of the process continues at S1728. Otherwise, if the secondoptional load1572 is powered up, the process continues at S1754.
• At S1754, if the thirdoptional load1588 is not powered up, then operation of the process continues at S1742. Otherwise, if third firstoptional load1588 is powered up, the process continues at S1756.
• Operation of the process concludes at S1756.
• In the embodiments illustrated above, the external loads powered through the PoE pass through ports are not preferred loads, though in some embodiments, the external loads may get a preference over the internal optional loads. For example, and referring again toFIG. 14, the overall system has twocables1408,1410 attached to thepowered device1402 which drive thebase load1466 plus all threeoptional loads1468,1472,1488. But, if one of the cables, such ascable1410, is removed and the system restarted, this would leave only two of the four non-combinedPSE port units1414,1416 to power all of the loads. This situation creates a scenario where all threeoptional loads1468,1472 including theexternal load1488 exist but power is only available to support one of the threeoptional loads1468,1472,1488.
• In order to determine which of the threeoptional loads1468,1472,1488 receives power in the limited power scenario, a preference is assigned to each of theload1468,1472,1488 to determine which load has priority over the others, and ultimately which loads1468,1472,1488 receive power when not all power is available, or when there are more loads than available power. For example if two PoE power pairs are available and loads within the powered device are preferred, then the two loads within the device are powered first and no power is supplied to the external load. However, if the external load is preferred, then only one load in the powered device is provided with power and the external load is powered.
• Similarly, for a configuration having four PoE powered pairs, if the loads within the powered device are preferred, then up to four loads may be powered and the external device will only receive power if one of those four internal loads is not active. Conversely, if the external load is preferred, then only three of the four internal loads may receive power while the external load receives power.
• It is noted that the described powered device (PD) that detects the presence of power loads within the PD and that distributes PoE power based on a set of determined priorities and the detected loads is configurable to support any number of PSE-to-PD cable connections and to distribute PoE power received over powered pairs of the respective PSE-to-PD cable connections to any number of fixed and/or optional loads within the powered device, and/or optional loads connected to the powered device via a pass through communication port.
• It is noted that the described powered device (PD) is configurable to operate with any communication cable with 8 or more conductors, including, but not limited to Category 5 and Category 6 twisted pair cabling. However, other communication cable can also be used. For example, use of a communication cable with four additional conductors would allow a third PoE powered pair to be supported by the communication cable between to PSE and the described powered device.
• For purposes of explanation, in the above description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the described powered device (PD) that detects the presence of optional power loads within the PD and that distributes PoE power based on a set of determined priorities and the detected loads. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the described a powered device (PD) may be practiced without these specific details.
• While the described powered device (PD) detects the presence of optional power loads within the PD and distributes PoE power based on a set of determined priorities and the detected loads has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, embodiments of the described powered device, as set forth herein are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. There are changes that may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:

1. A powered telecommunications device, comprising:

a combined powered device port unit configured to negotiate receipt of a level of power from power sourcing equipment, the power received on a first pair of taps, the port unit further configured for combining power received on multiple pairs of taps;

a detection unit configured to detect a presence of a first optional load and to detect a presence of a second optional load;

a control circuit configured to establish connectivity between a second pair of taps and the first optional load in response to the detection unit detecting the first optional load; and

the control circuit further configured to establish connectivity between the second pair of taps and a third pair of taps in response to the detection unit failing to detect the first optional load and detecting the second optional load.

2. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the power from the power sourcing equipment is Power over Ethernet power.

3. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the first, second and third pair of taps are Power over Ethernet taps.

4. The device ofclaim 3 wherein the Power over Ethernet taps are associated with a powered device port.

5. The device ofclaim 1 wherein establishing connectivity between a second pair of taps and the first optional load includes establishing connectivity with the combined powered device port unit.

6. The device ofclaim 1 wherein the third pair of taps are associated with a pass-through communication port.

7. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the combined powered device port unit comprises:

a first powered device powered pair unit configured to negotiate a first level of power with power sourcing equipment;

a second powered device powered pair unit configured to negotiate a second level of power with power sourcing equipment;

a first intermediate power module configured to convert the negotiated first level of power to an intermediate voltage;

a second intermediate power module configured to convert the negotiated second level of power to the intermediate voltage;

a power combining module configured to combine power at the intermediate voltage received from the first intermediate power module and received from the second intermediate power; and

a power conversion and distribution module configured to convert power at the intermediate voltage level received from the power combining module to a source voltage prior to distributing to a load.

8. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the combined powered device port unit comprises:

a first powered device powered pair unit configured to negotiate a first level of power with power sourcing equipment,

a second powered device powered pair unit configured to negotiate a second level of power with the power sourcing equipment;

a power combining module configured to combine power received from the first powered device powered pair unit and received from the second powered device powered pair unit;

an intermediate power module configured to convert combined power received from the power combining module to an intermediate voltage; and

a power conversion and distribution module configured to convert power at the intermediate voltage level received from the intermediate power module to a source voltage prior to distributing to a load.

9. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the powered device is configured as a distributed antenna system remote antenna unit.

10. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the first optional load is a remote antenna unit RF signal processing board.

11. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the second optional load is selected from a group consisting of: a standard access point, a WiFi access point, a WiMax access point, a maintenance terminal, IP camera, and combinations thereof.

12. A method of distributing power in a powered telecommunications device, the method comprising:

establishing connectivity between a first pair of taps and a power combining circuit;

performing a detection process to detect a presence of a first optional load;

performing a detection process to detect a presence of a second optional load;

in response to detecting the first optional load, establishing connectivity between a second pair of taps and the first optional load; and

in response to failing to detect the first optional load and detecting the second optional load, establishing connectivity between the second pair of taps and a third pair of taps.

13. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the first, second, and third pair of taps are Power over Ethernet taps.

14. The method ofclaim 12 wherein establishing connectivity between a second pair of taps and the first optional load includes establishing connectivity with the power combining circuit.

15. The method ofclaim 12, further comprising:

negotiating a first level of power with a power sourcing equipment;

negotiating a second level of power with the power sourcing equipment;

converting the negotiated first level of power to an intermediate voltage;

converting the negotiated second level of power to an intermediate voltage level;

combining the converted power at the intermediate voltage level;

converting the combined power at the intermediate voltage levels to one of several voltage levels; and

distributing the combined converted power at one of the several voltage levels to a load.

16. The method ofclaim 15, wherein the power from the power sourcing equipment is Power over Ethernet power.

17. The method ofclaim 12, wherein distributing the combined converted power comprises:

distributing the combined converted power at a selected voltage to at least one of a base load, the first optional load, and the second optional load.

18. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the device is a remote antenna unit in a distributed antenna system.

19. The method ofclaim 12, further comprising:

configuring the device to communicate with and to provide power to an RF signal processing board as the first optional circuit load.

20. The method ofclaim 12, further comprising:

configuring the remote antenna unit to communicate with and to supply power to a second optional load selected from a group consisting of: a standard access point, a WiFi access point, a WiMax access point, a maintenance terminal, IP camera, and combinations thereof.

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